Washington Redskins: Who Will Be Right About RG3? McNabb or Shanahan?

If you recall back on March 29 in an episode of "ESPN's First Take," former Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Donovan McNabb was a guest host on the ever-popular sports debate show on the Worldwide Leader.

And if you can also recall—if you can't, I wouldn't blame you—McNabb played for the Washington Redskins for one season under head coach Mike Shanahan. Coincidentally, Shanahan and the Redskins hold the No. 2 pick and will more than likely take former Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday.

When discussing the possibility of RG3 going to Washington to play under the same coach that McNabb played a forgetful season with, the man who led the Eagles to five NFC Championship appearances and a berth in Super Bowl 39 had some strong words about his former coach and how RG3 would do under Shanahan's watch.

I say that because a lot of the time ego gets too involved with when you're playing in Washington. Here's a guy who's coming out who's very talented, mobile, strong arm, we've already heard he's a very intelligent football mind, McNabb said.

Are you going to cater the offense around his talent and what he's able to do or are you going to bring the Houston offense with Matt Schaub over to him and have him be embedded in that whole thing?

On Wednesday, a day before RG3 more than likely heads to Washington, Shanahan let everyone know how he feels about the gifted athlete from Baylor (via ESPN).

"He's a natural leader. ... You want guys to lead your football team," Shanahan said. "Everybody's got their own way of doing things. Some guys are a little bit more serious. You've got to be yourself."

That's the best way to summarize RG3 up to anyone. He doesn't try to emulate a certain quarterback to the way he plays—he does everything his way, which makes him a special kind of talent.

When McNabb said what he said back in March, you could tell he still had the taste of the proverbial sour grapes in his mouth for the way he felt he was misused and treated while he was a Redskin.

But, then again, who wouldn't feel a bit salty when someone gets benched for Rex Grossman?

It is what it is, and McNabb is looking for a job—or at least trying to find his way towards a job in front of the camera for a major network. At this rate, Shanahan might be looking for a job if he can't deliver a winning season anytime soon.

The good news is that by getting RG3, he's going to get some leverage in how his performance as head coach is being reviewed by Dan Snyder. Either that, or Snyder officially becomes the worst owner in sports.

Now I hate to disappoint McNabb and his salty approach, but the quarterbacks McNabb mentioned on "First Take" that were coached by Shanahan are nowhere near the talent level that Robert Griffin III is at. Guys like Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, John Beck are nowhere near RG3's level.

But wait, McNabb forgot to mention one more guy who failed miserably under Shanahan.

Oh, that's right: himself.

Is there a chance that RG3 may do better than what McNabb did throughout his career? Is he mad about the way Shanahan treated him? Maybe. But did he let his emotions get the best of him in the heat of the moment?

Absolutely.

There's no question that Robert Griffin III will be an amazing quarterback when all is said and done. Shanahan isn't a miracle worker overnight, but compared to what McNabb, Beck and Grossman had around them, Griffin has better talent around him and will make his life a lot easier.

Give a young quarterback a couple of years to learn a system and he can excel at it. Give a guy a brand new offense and prove that he could only succeed under Andy Reid and he becomes public enemy No. 1.

Enjoy your time on camera, Donovan. You'll need it.

And you can enjoy RG3 becoming one amazing quarterback before your very eyes.

How do you think things will play out for Robert Griffin III in Washington? Will he save the franchise and Mike Shanahan's job, or will he prove Donovan McNabb right? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.